University of Missouri

Ryan Hererra

March 2, 2021

Missouri School of Journalism alumnus Ryan Herrera, is one of 16 students from across the country to be chosen for the 2021 Sports Journalism Institute (SJI).

Herrera, who is from Elk Grove Village, Illinois, was selected as part of the 2020 class but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his participation by one year.

SJI is a training and internship program for college students interested in sports journalism careers. The institute is designed to attract talented students to journalism through opportunities in sports reporting and editing, and to enhance racial and gender diversity in sports departments nationwide. Candidates are selected on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated interest in sports journalism as a career and excellence on the required essay.

“Without Michael Knisley and Pete Bland, my two Missourian sports editors, I don’t know that I’d be anywhere close to where I am now,” Herrera said. “They both helped me become a better overall journalist, and I can’t thank them enough for everything. Whether it was helping me fix my AP Style or going out of their way to talk about me to some pretty important people, they’ve had the biggest impact on me journalism-wise and I’m beyond grateful to have worked with them.”

The nine women and seven men selected for the SJI program will participate in a weeklong orientation May 25 through 30. During this time, students will hear from newsroom professionals and academics on topics ranging from ethics in the press box, to diversity in the media, to tips on beat coverage. They will also hear from SJI alums who have used the program as a launching pad to careers at places including ESPN, The New York Times, The Athletic and USA Today. The boot camp is followed by a paid internship in sports media.

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